Voting FAQs

2016 Voting Information

In 2016 the primary election is held on March 15 for all elections except for Congress. A second primary for Congressional candidates will take place on June 7th. If you are in Guilford County and interested in voting early for the March 15 primary you can find more information here.

General Election Day 2016 is November 8th! See this link for more information on the 2016 election year calendar.

Voter ID in 2016

Beginning in 2016, North Carolina will require voters to show a photo identification (photo ID) when they present to vote in person. This change is a result of the Voter Information Verification Act or “VIVA.” (S.L. 2013-381).

Military and Overseas Absentee Voting

The following individuals, who are eligible to register and who are qualified to vote in any statewide primary or election held under the laws of North Carolina, and who are absent from the county of his or her residence are entitled to register and vote by military or overseas absentee ballot:

Individuals serving in the active and reserve components of armed forces of the United States, including, but not limited to, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard who is on active duty; the Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, the commissioned corps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the National Guard or State militia unit who is on activated status.

Spouse or dependent of a member referred to in this subdivision.

“Overseas voter” means a United States citizen who is outside the United States and satisfies this State’s voter eligibility requirements.

Other individuals meeting the definitions of “absent uniformed services voter” and “overseas voter” in the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

“United States” used in the territorial sense, means the several states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

How can I apply?

Click here to access the Federal Voting Assistance website for more information.Click here to download the Federal Post Card Application Form (FPCA).

Or email signed and completed (no e-signatures) attachment to:absentee@co.guilford.nc.us
If you have any questions, please call 336-641-6874 or 336-641-6876 or visit the NC State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov.

Absentee Voting by Mail

Beginning January 1, 2014, per NC GS 163-230.2, a completed written request for an absentee ballot by mail must be made on a form created by the NC State Board of Elections. Any registered voter of Guilford County may request an absentee by-mail ballot. If you no longer reside in Guilford County, please call 336-641-6876 or 336-641-6874 for instructions or contact your local county Board of Elections.

A voter does not have to provide a reason for absentee voting. No-excuse absentee voting will be permitted for all elections except fire district elections.

The request must be signed by the voter requesting absentee ballots or that voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian. You can find the form here.